Leading a globally dispersed team is not an easy challenge, and yet it is what 6 Companies, who have just launched through the Global Business Opportunities Programme are about to embark on.
Yesterday, I played with these businesses, which are still in the very early stages of launching, and we physically discussed the challenges ahead looking at the main themes of…
- Leadership
- Change
- Communication
- Perspective
- Trust
- Collaboration
- Influence
Here is a selection of things we found…
8 ways to work successfully together, as a team, even when you’re apart.
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1. Leadership
What we noticed yesterday, was that when people played games close to one another the play would be lively, inventive, a good challenge, engaging, and varied. When we played the same games but we were further apart- everything got simpler, slower and harder.
When further apart, people were even shouting at one another, ‘What you doing’ ‘Don’t send me that way’ ‘Give me better direction’. Two players, to get through the task- got in to a very rhythmic, slow pattern that only moved in one direction- and they stayed there.
What is needed?
- More attention and focus from the whole team
- Awareness of when things have got stuck
- Making use of a variety of communication methods
- Share the leadership within the team
- Making time to check in, before moving again
2. Change
What we noticed, was that when everyone played games in a set order, pattern or position, although this took some time to get used to, everyone settled in and it was easy- maybe a little boring! But the job got done.
As soon as everyone started moving around the space more, adding in jumps, turns, and leaps. Changing places, direction and level. Moving all at the same time and not one at a time. Ahhhhh.
In chaos, yes it was unsettling, but the games had so much more energy, momentum and drive. Again they were varied and inventive. The potential was enormous.
What is needed?
- Permission and autonomy to do the work
- A shared understanding of the culture of the business
- Great leadership to keep things moving in the right direction
- Clarity in communication
- Time out
3. Communication
We played one game where the message that was passed included- 2 handshakes, 2 high fives and 2 dosey doe’s. By the time the game had finished the message that came back at the end was nothing!
What we noticed was that some people played their own game, changed the message to what worked for them, those that could see it breaking down got frustrated and comments became unsupportive and more controlling. This was definitely the low point of our play!
What is needed?
- Clarity of message
- To start with listening
- For everyone to know what we are trying to achieve
- Making use of a variety of communication methods
- To really know that the message has been received, correctly, before moving on
4. Perspective
The rule of the whole session was- to find a way to join in.
We played many games where there was only one rule. This meant that the ways people could join in and get involved were endless. It is challenging to do this if you are not open to the possibilities, or if your starting point is ‘I can’t do this’.
After playing some games- where there was frustration about some of the choices people were making, the game changing moment was a leap into the space, it allowed for diversity. People relaxed. Sometime people looked silly- but it didn’t matter- we were all in this together.
What is needed?
- Recognising that diversity in the team is the strength- don’t try to uniform
- Continuing to know the team as people, making time to still share stories and chat, even from afar
- Making use of the different perspectives- ask more questions
- Being open to the possibilities
- Finding the commonalities, knowing what brings you together and with a shared purpose
5. Trust
Back to the games that we played- near and far. What we noticed was that it is harder to know what was going on from afar. It was harder to understand why your partner was doing what they were doing. And on the odd occasion people were led somewhere they didn’t want to go- bumped in to other people, or the wall- and others stood on their toes!
We played one game, that in order for it to work, everyone wanted to know that they would be supported to join in how they wanted to join in- even if this was different.
We played games around positioning- face to face, side by side and behind- all of these change how people feel. It is easier to change positioning when you are together, it takes longer and is harder from further away.
What is needed?
- A common purpose, shared values that build a sense of belonging
- Making time to still chat as people about life, getting to know more about who you work with
- Building a culture where people can ask questions
- Sharing news, stories, and interesting information- build a community
- Sharing responsibility and leadership within the team
6. Collaboration
Working with a partner we played games where challenges were set- getting to the other side of the room, moving through a narrow gap, getting high, getting low, going over, and getting under. We played with leaders and followers, and then with sharing and give and take.
Everyone was inventive in how to make it work, sometimes falling in to pattern to get the job done, but other times making sure that even when it was difficult it was fun. What also came out in this physical conversation, is how people felt responsible for who they were working with- and how to look after them.
What is needed?
- Making use of all the resources you have
- Knowing what everyone is working towards
- Sharing responsibility and being accountable for the work that is done
- Filling the gap, when you know something needs doing- take it on
- Celebrate achievements and champion the team
7. Influence
The last game we played was based on a giant chain reaction. Somebody would start and everyone would find a way to join in. It took time for everyone to get involved, but momentum built and even though the starting point was 21 places removed from the end of the line- the influence was there.
What is needed?
- To know that your actions will be felt by others, and they travel a long way
- Choice and autonomy within the team gets great results
- Everyone needs to keep moving, observation is an active role
- You can build great potential and momentum when you are clear and passionate
- If you build potential, it can exceed expectations
Wow this is a big one, and I feel I have only captured parts. Please share your thoughts and tips for building a virtual or global team, as I am sure these six companies would love to hear.
I would like to say thank you, to all the players from yesterday. Our physical discussion and debate was useful, fun and inspiring.
And if any of you in a global or virtual teams do get to have time together, then don’t forget to play! Get in touch, we can help. [email protected]
Share and Enjoy!
